You Glow Galhttp://www.youglowgal.com
beauty & wellness tips from an estheticianMon, 19 Feb 2018 13:00:49 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4105448167How to Make Your Skin Dreams Come True with Clear & Brillianthttp://www.youglowgal.com/how-to-make-your-skin-dreams-come-true-with-clear-brilliant/
http://www.youglowgal.com/how-to-make-your-skin-dreams-come-true-with-clear-brilliant/#respondMon, 19 Feb 2018 13:00:49 +0000http://www.youglowgal.com/?p=8808Back in October, I shared the nitty-gritty of my hormonal acne story with you guys, the emotional rollercoaster, and the path to clearing my skin naturally. Not long after, I felt I had gained enough control to begin addressing acne scarring. But I wasn’t interested in serums and topical treatments, I wanted to knock this…

Back in October, I shared the nitty-gritty of my hormonal acne story with you guys, the emotional rollercoaster, and the path to clearing my skin naturally. Not long after, I felt I had gained enough control to begin addressing acne scarring. But I wasn’t interested in serums and topical treatments, I wanted to knock this ish out QUICK. Clear & Brilliant was at the forefront of my radar.

Throughout my years with acne, my scarring was never terrible, mostly dark marks I healed quick enough with brightening serums. However, once I started working on balancing hormones and healing my gut things went haywire. Breakouts were intense, sometimes I would get carried away with extracting ( even pros need the help of another pro! )… I mean I love extracting a juicy cyst, it’s one of life’s most satisfying experiences.

For the first time, I had texture issues. Or enough for me to actually take notice and be bothered by it. Mission obsess-over-acne-scar-solutions was 100% underway.

why I chose Clear & Brilliant

While I had uneven texture, I also had quite a bit of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation ( brown/black marks caused by overproduction of melanin ) AND post-inflammatory erythema ( red marks caused by inflammation ).

From my understanding, I had two options for correcting my uneven complexion: Microneedling or Clear & Brilliant.

Since I work in a day spa, I’m not well versed in med spa treatments. So what does an esthetician do when she needs advice? She reaches out to her best esthi bud who performs said treatments every day, my boo Jordana Mattioli. I trust Jordana completely, she’s knowledgeable asf ( and her IG is killer ).

After sending Jordana a few shots of my skin, no contest, Clear & Brilliant was my ideal treatment option–and what I expected. Even with my concerns, Clear & Brilliant is the most gentle option in its class, so I decided to go for it.

Saying Dallas is oversaturated with options is an understatement. We have a lot of talent in our city, but sifting through the options? It’s overwhelming. When you notice amazing work, you ask, you take note, and you save that name for later.

I first learned of Enlighten through friends who received fantastic treatments. Results were natural, the refreshed-but-I-can’t-put-a-finger-on-what-you’ve-done. You know, the kind of results you want.

No one wants to have a tight, shiny cat face… it’s not cute.

Well, maybe some people do… but uh, ladies.

looking like an aged Joan Rivers at 34 isn’t what I suggest going for

Clients were regularly asking about advanced treatments, and I lacked the answers, let alone a med spa to refer them to. On a whim, I decided to reach out to Kari, the fab owner of Enlighten. She invited me into her spa to become acquainted with Enlighten, learn what they’re all about and the types of services offered. After our meeting, I confidently sent my clients her way.

Months later I inquired about Clear & Brilliant for myself, they agreed it would be the ideal option for my skin. I was offered a series of treatments in exchange for sharing my experience on social media. I loved the experience so much I decided to write an entire blog post about it!

Check out the results, you guys.

Clear & Brilliant before & after progress pics

Photos are shot in natural light, no editing, and almost all are kinda blurry. Whatever, though, you can still see the results! haha

For my first treatment, the laser was used at a lower setting because I voiced concerns about being sensitive and nervousness surrounding lasers. You can expect to feel sunburned for 24 hours or so, downtime is super minimal. Your texture will be rough for a few days, but by day 4 or 5 you’re smooth and glowing!

Within 6-8 weeks after my first treatment, I noticed pitted scarring was filling in, showing where collagen had successfully formed.

Keep this in mind: your skin will look nice initially, but the real magic happens weeks later, once collagen has begun forming. Patience is key.

is a laser treatment necessary for correcting acne scarring?

Could I have corrected my scars without fancy treatments? Sure, but it probably would have taken a year or longer. I didn’t want to wait that long.

I wanted my skin back.

I wanted my self-confidence back.

Even though Clear & Brilliant is for correcting skin, working with Enlighten MD healed me from the inside out, too.

Acne is a bitch, guys. We let it take so much from us, having an opportunity to regain what was lost is beyond words. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with the ladies at Enlighten, they helped return part of my identity. You might call it vain, but there’s so much emotion behind this experience.

Sometimes we forget this what we do for people as estheticians, giving people back pieces of themselves. You forget clients are seeing you for more than just skin. Having the role flipped was a beautiful reminder of that.

so, would I do it again?

I have to tell you, I’m apprehensive towards lasers, but I’ll save that opinion for another time. I’m a human guinea pig when it comes to beauty, and I’ll try nearly anything within reason.

With that said, I absolutely LOVED my results, I’m beyond happy!

If I needed major correction again, I can’t say I would turn down Clear & Brilliant. Unless there was a new, better option on the market.

For prevention maintenance? I’d probably go the route of microneedling for maintenance if my key concern is collagen production.

]]>http://www.youglowgal.com/how-to-make-your-skin-dreams-come-true-with-clear-brilliant/feed/08808When Your Worst Nightmare is Gluten Gifting You Acnehttp://www.youglowgal.com/when-your-worst-nightmare-gluten-gifting-acne/
http://www.youglowgal.com/when-your-worst-nightmare-gluten-gifting-acne/#respondMon, 05 Feb 2018 13:00:54 +0000http://www.youglowgal.com/?p=8784I’ve always said if I found I had an allergy to a food group I loved I would be devastated. Isn’t that every foodie’s worst nightmare? Not being able to eat anything and everything without concern? It’s actually why it took me so long to address my acne internally, I didn’t want to give up…

While practicing Whole 30 and reading Younger Skin Starts in the Gut, I learned I don’t have any allergies per se, but I definitely have sensitivities. Younger Skin Starts in the Gut is legit the best book I’ve read in regards to how our diet affects our skin. Dr. Nigma Talib has diagrams for what she calls gluten, dairy, wine, and sugar face, and they have been SPOT ON. I can correlate exactly what I eat to symptoms I’m seeing on my skin, and I’ve started noticing trends with clients. Her suggestions for clearing symptoms start with healing the gut and plays well with Whole 30, they share similarities.

gluten, dairy, and sugar

I avoid refined sugar and try to keep my sugar intake under 25g a day because that’s what Google says.

I can get away with having *some* dairy in small amounts.

Gluten, though? Cysts pop up on my forehead and brows within 24 hours, like clockwork, and remain well over a month.

I started getting emotional a couple weeks ago while out eating Korean, trying to figure out wtf I could eat. Choosing between a painful breakout or indulging. It provoked me to reach out to Dr. Nigma Talib, asking if there was any hope.

Thankfully, she said YES! In her experience, clients who fully heal their gut are able to reintroduce foods they react to.

I’ve also read that can take up to two years…

in the meantime, I’ve had to re-establish my relationship with food

Dairy and sugar are fairly easy to limit without feeling like I’m missing out. Gluten I can’t yet have in small amounts, so it’s 100% avoidance. Not every restaurant marks items as gluten-free. Thankfully, many brands are creating yummy gluten-free foods.

So now I’m more of a health food foodie.

Since balancing my hormones and healing my gut, my taste buds have changed. I don’t like a lot of sugar, I don’t need nearly as much salt, and I actually feel sick if I don’t eat green veggies regularly.

but these are my favorite dairy-free and gluten-free staples

Simple Mills makes the BEST gluten-free baked goods. The textures are of course different, but they’re well done! The Chocolate Muffin & Cupcake doubles as brownie batter. If you toss them in the fridge they become denser and fix a craving real quick! I was pleasantly surprised by the pancakes. The only hit or miss is their crackers. If I’m eating them with hummus I’m fine, otherwise, some flavors remind me cardboard… specifically the jalapeno ones.

In my eyes, Primal Kitchen can do no wrong. I literally love everything this brand creates–protein powders, salad dressing, snack bars–they make tasty clean treats! I LOVE using their Chipotle Lime Mayo as a compote “butter” on top of fish and steak. Their dressings taste exactly like what they say, not kinda like ranch with a hint of something else. I always have their protein bars in my bag.

Oh, I almost forgot–I love Siete, too! Their tortilla chips and wraps are so, so good! I pick them up at Whole Foods usually. Unfortunately, Thrive doesn’t carry their wraps but they do carry their tortilla chips!

What is your fave health food find!? The Coconut Cult is next on my to-try list. xo

the good news: it’s fairly easy to combat dry winter skin

More than anything, it comes down to nourishing your skin. When skin is dehydrated, it needs love. You may need to play around with how frequently your skin needs extra nourishment–a combination of your skin type and climate will determine frequency.

When our climate changes we need to make adjustments to our routine. Whether that’s switching up products we use or picking up more yummy skin feeding products.

first things first, tweaking the cleansing step

For the majority of us, we cleanse twice a day. If your cleanser is removing excess oil during colder months, oils your barrier needs to maintain hydration, you may be setting yourself up for a tight and crispy situation.

If you’re using gel cleansers and clay masks in the summer, once seasons begin shifting to cooler temps you’ll need to switch it up. For many skin types, an oil cleanser will do the trick by removing excess oil while still leaving the skin feeling comfortable. Think about how your oil production is. A light milk cleanser may be sufficient for someone with combination skin, while if you lean towards being dry a cream cleanser might be a better option.

A caveat to consider: sometimes dehydrated skin will overcompensate with excess oil.

reduce how often you’re exfoliating

Don’t stop exfoliating, just often enough you’re removing dead skin and creating space for products to penetrate thoroughly. Cutting back is crucial though, otherwise, you’ll degrade your barrier. You need your skin’s barrier for several reasons, but when it comes to winter skin having a healthy barrier ensures your skin can maintain proper hydration levels. Take away too much of your barrier and no matter how much hydrating serum you use, your skin will still feel dehydrated.

Take inventory of your products, check labels for exfoliating ingredients. We’re counting retinol here, too. Many brands sneak retinol or acids into their cleansers, masks, serums, toners, etc. You could be exfoliating more than you realize!

increase nourishing products in your routine

We’re looking for products without exfoliants unless the product will be your main source of exfoliation through colder months. We want hydrating, replenishing ingredients.

In the ingredient deck, look for replenishing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, and glycerin. The formula should include complementary ingredients, working together to create deeply hydrated skin.

At the moment, my favorite hydrating serum is Skinceuticals HA Intensifier! Plump, bouncy cheeks in the winter? 100% possible with this one.

2. Up your fish oil intake. I prefer Nordic Naturals, they’re high quality and they add lemon–so no fishy aftertaste!

Maintaining a glowing, dewy complexion during the winter isn’t impossible. Listen to your skin, pay attention to how it responds to what you put on, and make adjustments where needed. It might take a little tweaking, but you’ve got this!

]]>http://www.youglowgal.com/actually-achieve-wondrous-winter-skin-glow/feed/08748Rewinding with a Little New Year Reflectionhttp://www.youglowgal.com/rewinding-with-new-year-reflection/
http://www.youglowgal.com/rewinding-with-new-year-reflection/#commentsSun, 07 Jan 2018 13:00:18 +0000http://www.youglowgal.com/?p=8692I was able to enjoy the entire first week of January off, staying put in Dallas instead of traveling. I spent the week relaxing at home, business planning for the New Year, working out, and celebrating a milestone anniversary with the BF. A week off well spent. I also spent the week reflecting, reading over…

I was able to enjoy the entire first week of January off, staying put in Dallas instead of traveling. I spent the week relaxing at home, business planning for the New Year, working out, and celebrating a milestone anniversary with the BF. A week off well spent.

Self-care and wellness have become buzzwords, I feel it takes away from their importance in our daily lives. Once something becomes trendy it feels devalued, doesn’t it?

I didn’t pick up these habits because it’s a fad and everyone else is doing it. It quite literally came from necessity, emotional survival, and the need to re-parent myself.

And I think most of us need some element of self-care for our own sanity.

Oh, also… this is my segue into sharing some of the books that majorly affected my life last year.

what I’m going to share with you today is pretty f’n raw & real shit

I’ve been on the fence on how much to share, it’s pretty personal, but I’m at a point where it no longer scares the hell out of me because sharing my experience means it could help someone else. I think many suffer from similar situations, whether or not they realize it, or maybe they can’t pinpoint exactly why they feel the way they do.

Toward the end of 2016, I stumbled upon Dr. Jonice Webb’s questionnaire while trying to find insight into what I was experiencing. I couldn’t find anything that sounded like me 100%. Her quick quiz determines whether or not you may suffer from Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). As it turned out, I was a textbook CEN kid. I found an amazing therapist, picked up Running on Empty, and experienced several emotional breakdowns.

I mean I emotionally fell apart often and felt debilitating anxiety like never before. I was desperate. Lots of writing, ah-ha moments, anger, resentment, and tears.

It still feels weird to say I was emotionally neglected because it feels like such a basic problem to have when others suffer from physical abuse, assault, or any other serious traumatic life event.

but boy was that pain real af

The reality? We shouldn’t undercut our experiences, let alone someone else’s, because how our experiences affect us, what we feel–it’s real. It is our reality. It’s easy to compare and devalue, I know when I was going through my experience I used it as a coping mechanism. A way to hide from the pain.

Prior to healing, I couldn’t connect. Human connection is what life is all about, and without it, I felt lost. I never knew what emotions I was feeling, I was living life in a constant state of anxiety, I was insecure, unconfident, and I didn’t love myself.

I had some pretty crappy relationships over the years that built upon the symptoms of neglect, eating away at my self-worth.

Basically, I was a flailing fish out of water at all times, just barely surviving the day-to-day.

With a lot of persistence and hard work, I healed. Sometimes I still struggle and fall into old habits, but I recognize it and pick back up where I left off.

I went from being emotionally numb to being the most obnoxiously sensitive, empathetic girl you’ll meet. I feel emotionally liberated. While some would say I’m too emotional, I kinda love it. I love feeling everything after 30+ years of feeling nothing. The good, the bad, I feel all of it.

Want to stop giving a damn about that girl who won’t make eye contact with you, ever, even though you see her weekly in the office, at spin class, etc? Read Brene’s work and you’ll realize… it has absolutely zero to do with you. That insecure woman won’t look you in the eye because of her shit, not because something is wrong with you.

Oh, and you’ll be hyper-aware of shaming interactions and statements.

*reads Brene Brown once, becomes shame expert*

My therapist suggested Brene Brown when I asked for further resources in recovering from emotional neglect. As I uncovered more about myself, I found I was in a deep pit of shame, whether it was related to deep-rooted ideologies I was raised within, or my lack of self-worth and never thinking I was enough.

Shame will eat you alive. It was destroying me, and I Thought It Was Just Me was my bible teaching me the ways of shame resilience. I marked up, highlighted, and made notes throughout the book. If I had to choose a single life-changing book of 2017, this was it.

In her writing, Brene shares 10 guideposts of wholehearted living, the foundation of living life from a place of worthiness. Living life to cultivate courage, compassion, and connection in order to believe that, no matter your circumstance, you are enough.

In one of her books, she mentions commonalities shared by those who live a wholehearted life to its fullest. I can only remember the one that stood out, the one I knew I would struggle with: spirituality.

Up until last year, if you mentioned spirituality I would automatically associate it with going to church, unaware of other options underneath the umbrella. Let’s just say I grew up in an ultra-religious home, and it’s not my thing. I don’t discriminate, I don’t judge based on someone’s spiritual beliefs. I’m a fan of inclusivity, welcoming all tracks of thought.

When I saw spirituality was something I needed to lean into… I skipped over it, ignored it.

Now that I’ve embraced spirituality, many of my fears and worries have subsided. I feel whole. Most days, I’d say I live a pretty wholehearted life.

I adopted several new healthy habits to keep me sane

I actually ordered The Miracle Morning for my BF after hearing about it transforming night owls into morning people. Shortly after starting the book, we ordered one for myself. Since then, we’ve gifted copies to several friends.

On the days I roll out of bed by 6 am, I feel energized–like I have a headstart on the rest of the world. Anxiety surrounding not having enough time in the day? Gone.

The best part of the Miracle Morning was implementing new habits, all surrounding the ideals of self-care. Simple tweaks to keep my mind on track, to feel calm. I love having a routine, and I fell in love with this one.

The author ideally has you practicing all of these in the morning before you start your day. Sitting in silence meditating, reading, writing affirmations, visualizing, journaling, and exercising. Most morning I’ll jot down what I’m grateful for, a few affirmations targeting specific goals I want to achieve, and finish off with writing a journal entry, all while listening to my fave Hemi-Sync meditation. Other items I’ll fit in throughout my day or week, I’ve customized to fit my needs.

When I’m on top of it, waking up early enough for my entire routine, enjoying the quiet morning with coffee, I feel AMAZING.

seriously, I can’t even describe how good it feels

This morning I fit everything in before going on a sweat date and I feel so calm and relaxed. I woke up with lingering dread and anxiety, but I magically washed it all away.

Another habit I began is re-viewing my journal from the previous year. I left space at the end of my 2017 journal, dividing a page into “lessons learned” and “goals for the New Year”, reading each entry and noting takeaways, and setting intentions for 2018. At the beginning of my 2018 journal, I listed all of my goals.

To be totally honest, with last year being so emotionally intense, I was nervous to practice the exercise. It forced me to revisit the pain.

You know what happened? It wasn’t scary at all. I witnessed the old me shifting into who I am now, I remembered lessons I learned while wading through struggles, and I came away with so much gratitude.

Gratitude for immense personal growth, for experiences and lessons learned, and for who and what I have in my life.

& there you have it

The story of how self-care became vital to my wellbeing and a cornerstone of not only my life but this blog and community!

It doesn’t have to be complicated, you don’t need fancy spa days or a gorgeous face cream. Although let’s be real–if budget allows I’m all about indulging. Sometimes the low light of a beautiful candle, music, and pen and paper are all you need, though. It’s finding what works for you, not comparing your self-care ritual to what someone else does–whether in real life or on social media.

If you made it here… you the best, I love you. Thank you for reading and being part of the journey!! xx

]]>http://www.youglowgal.com/rewinding-with-new-year-reflection/feed/28692Authentic Happiness Made 2017 a Year for the Bookshttp://www.youglowgal.com/authentic-happiness-made-2017-a-year-for-the-books/
http://www.youglowgal.com/authentic-happiness-made-2017-a-year-for-the-books/#respondMon, 18 Dec 2017 13:00:39 +0000http://www.youglowgal.com/?p=8655Here’s a funny story… or embarrassing, depending on which way you look at it. The year of my 29th birthday I had a mini-meltdown, publicly on Facebook like any good Millenial. You see, I’m not that great at math… numbers are painful, k? Make head not feel good. On that day, I thought I was turning…

Once my actual 30th birthday rolled around I didn’t freak out, though. I had already put my energy into that a year earlier. So… silver lining?

my perspective shifted this year

Yesterday, I turned 32. Prior to this year, I had this fear of death, always feeling like there was never enough time. The reality is there’s so much time ahead of me. Once my thought process shifted I now feel as if I have all the time in the world. Now I see my 30’s as my best years yet, and I look forward to the years to follow. It’s all about perspective.

I mean look at the picture I shot for this post. Before this year you would have neeeeever seen that in my home, let alone here! I would be lying if I said I didn’t fight some level of embarrassment sharing it, because of people who know the old me. But that’s the beauty of shifting your perspective… I no longer give a shit.

Love who you are and live it.

And yeah, I’m one of those people who thinks everything happens for a reason. I’ve always been that “there’s a silver lining in everything” person. I think this year played out the way it did to unfold my path to where I’m heading.

Getting here was sometimes painful, but so worth it.

I don’t know if you guys noticed the shift, but I can see it in my content. The shift in You Glow Gal speaks volumes to the shift in myself. I’m the happiest I’ve been in a very, very long time. Having this creative outlet, being able to connect with all of you, you’re a very real piece of it.

sappy & corny but y’all are my glue

Next year is going to be a big year, I can feel it. Sarah Nicole Skincare will launch in 2018, hopefully March if everything continues to go as planned. I wouldn’t be starting this new venture if it weren’t for you! Your support, your excitement, it’s vital fuel–both this blog and the skincare line would die without it.

With this being my last post of the year, let me tell you how much gratitude I have for you all. Thank you for the last two years, for listening. Thank you for reaching out with your personal stories, your questions, even your advice.

]]>http://www.youglowgal.com/authentic-happiness-made-2017-a-year-for-the-books/feed/08655This Trick is the Secret to Meditating if You Hate Being in Your Headhttp://www.youglowgal.com/this-trick-secret-meditating-hate-being-your-head/
http://www.youglowgal.com/this-trick-secret-meditating-hate-being-your-head/#respondMon, 04 Dec 2017 13:00:01 +0000http://www.youglowgal.com/?p=8575Anyone else hate the idea of being trapped inside their own head, much less meditating within the depths of their personal black hole??? Sitting still is challenging. Sitting still, focusing on nothing and letting my mind wander into consciousness? Ummm, good luck. It takes everything not to fidget during Shavasana. To be honest with you, I’ve…

Anyone else hate the idea of being trapped inside their own head, much less meditating within the depths of their personal black hole???

Sitting still is challenging. Sitting still, focusing on nothing and letting my mind wander into consciousness? Ummm, good luck. It takes everything not to fidget during Shavasana.

To be honest with you, I’ve gotta give credit to my psychic for this tip. I felt like I was given a secret key to unlocking meditating, making it doable for my lifestyle and ridding whatever mental hangup I had about it.

Don’t knock it just because a psychic lead me to what I’ll call “Meditation for Dummies”, it only has to be as woo-woo and New Agey as you want to make it.

Hemi-Sync utilizes binaural beats, using specific sound waves to safely alter brain waves with layered patterns of sound. The result is a calm mind, bringing you to a meditative state without the fuss. You can read more about how it works here.

Occasionally my brain twitches while listening, like a happy twitching dance. It releases any tension I have, particularly my face, scalp, and neck. I was legit obsessed with meditating once I found binaural beats!

You can find binaural beats on YouTube, I haven’t found anything I’ve enjoyed as much as my Hemi-Sync audio though… I own 4 or 5? They’re offered in a variety of categories ranging from stress reduction, concentration, creativity, and ADD/ADHD to name a few.

I suggest Hemi-Sync to my high-stress clients who have little free time and need an easy way to relax and unwind in between a hectic schedule.

Meditation has the ability to boost your health, happiness, and self-control while improving productivity and brain function. If you think about it, it’s just as necessary for overall wellbeing as working out or eating well.

I notice when I’m consistent, my skin glows more. Not to say meditating will lead you to the skin of your dreams, but a happy girl who feels less stressed will always radiate her internal wellbeing outward.

]]>http://www.youglowgal.com/this-trick-secret-meditating-hate-being-your-head/feed/08575Forget Cotton Pads, You Need This Intrinsics Facial Wipehttp://www.youglowgal.com/forget-cotton-pads-need-intrinsics-facial-wipe/
http://www.youglowgal.com/forget-cotton-pads-need-intrinsics-facial-wipe/#commentsMon, 27 Nov 2017 15:45:47 +0000http://www.youglowgal.com/?p=1928I’m not talking about makeup-removing facial wipes some choose to use. Not that they don’t have a place, I try to use them before workouts but they shouldn’t be your primary cleansing solution. The facial wipes I’m referring to are typically sold to professionals, thanks to Amazon they’re easy to find. Get ready to say goodbye…

I’m not talking about makeup-removing facial wipes some choose to use. Not that they don’t have a place, I try to use them before workouts but they shouldn’t be your primary cleansing solution. The facial wipes I’m referring to are typically sold to professionals, thanks to Amazon they’re easy to find. Get ready to say goodbye to your cotton pads and hello to some bomb ass esthetics Intrinsics wipes!

If you have products you’re applying with typical cotton, you’re wasting precious elixirs. Think P50 or any other liquid toner. Aside from the fact cotton pads fall apart and pieces get everywhere, they soak up a lot of product you’re using them with. Which means you’re burning through your favorite product a LOT faster than you should be. When I first started using P50 I noticed I was burning through the bottle fast using cotton pads and immediately went searching for my favorite esthetics wipes online, the same Intrinsics wipes I use every day at work.

I’ve tried other brands, they may even be slightly cheaper, but Intrinsics is the best. They hold their shape, absorb just enough, and they’re soft for sensitive skin. You won’t have pieces falling apart on your face. Really, they’re a solid product hovering at perfection. The price on Amazon fluctuates, each pack containing 200 wipes. It might seem expensive but when you think about how much product you save, it’s worth it.

I purchase large 4×4’s because I can use them with water and remove face masks, cleanser, etc, or I can cut them into a smaller 2×2 size for toner and eye makeup remover. There are plenty of other uses to get creative with, like using damp wipes over masks to keep them moist or using them for removing product like masks. They’re perfect for those with sensitive skin, they’re super soft and prevent irritation you may experience from a rough washcloth. If you don’t want to be bothered with modifying your wipes go for the 2×2 size, which is totally fine for most people. It’s much like your cotton pad in size.

]]>http://www.youglowgal.com/forget-cotton-pads-need-intrinsics-facial-wipe/feed/21928Introducing Heliocare: the Supplement Offering Protection from UV Sun Damagehttp://www.youglowgal.com/introducing-heliocare-supplement-offering-protection-uv-sun-damage/
http://www.youglowgal.com/introducing-heliocare-supplement-offering-protection-uv-sun-damage/#respondMon, 13 Nov 2017 13:00:39 +0000http://www.youglowgal.com/?p=8236Unless we choose to, we never stop learning. I’m forever reading, digging the internet for the latest beauty news, poking around social media for thoughts from professionals more knowledgeable than myself. Every now and again I’ll find an interesting article from beauty mags. Recently, Allure shared a story about the future of beauty, covering the…

Unless we choose to, we never stop learning. I’m forever reading, digging the internet for the latest beauty news, poking around social media for thoughts from professionals more knowledgeable than myself.

In the article, Dr. Bowe mentions benefits for those of us suffering from acne, melasma, rosacea, and pollution-driven aging. The extract from Polypodium Leucotomos Fern boasts exceptional anti-inflammatory properties and has long been used for additional UV-protection.

Studies supporting other claims are limited, however promising, and I’m willing enough to guinea pig myself in the name of vanity! haaaa.

I’ve only started taking Heliocare a few days ago and plan on keeping it in my routine for a while to see how things go, although I’m unconvinced it’s a supplement where results are obvious outside of preventing burns.

But I burn easily, so the benefits remain.

As always, I’ll update you guys as I progress! Stay tuned.

I’d love to discuss with you! Have you tried Heliocare, did you notice any improvements? Is there another antioxidant supplement you swear by? Drop it below. xo

On this episode of True Life: I’m an Amazon Junkie, I’m sharing my top 5 fave self-care purchases I’ve picked up this year. Some weeks we easily have an obscene number of Amazon boxes arrive at our door. Dallas traffic is so bad I’m at the point where I literally don’t leave my neighborhood bubble, and the closest Target can be sketchy… so, Amazon saves me the hassle of wasting hours of driving time and keeps me safe.

Honestly, though, this Millenial LOVES the simplicity of online shopping.

I love it.

I stepped foot in a mall for the first time in over a year last week, if that tells you anything.

tell Alexa to get ready for a little Amazon shopping, k?

Obsessive-compulsive about protecting your skin from sun damage? Consider these the modern driving glove. I have my windows tinted specifically for UV protection, but these give me an additional layer of safety. Particularly for long road trips. Embrace your inner psycho, it’s okay.

I run errands with these, no shame running into pilates with pink sleeves on! I know few women who are on top of protecting their hands, let alone arms, from aging. It’s always when we finally start to notice changes do we make adjustments to our habits. The sleeves are comfortable, cooling, and the steering wheel isn’t slippery under my palms. Win, win.

I mentioned ice rollers when I talked about treating sensitive skin, but you don’t need finicky skin to benefit from this awesome tool. Almost everyone can have a puffy face from time to time, whether it’s allergies, poor circulation, or too much sodium. A few swipes with the ice roller will bring down puffiness and inflammation quickly. Bonus? Your pores will shrink in appearance. Plus it just feels good. I love my roller, I grab it from the freezer alllllllll the time for a little icy cool glow.

When it comes to self-massage tools, or anything to release tension, I’ve gotta have it. Sometimes the foam roller doesn’t cut it, you know? Particularly for my neck, it’s the most difficult area for me to release tension myself! I’ll grab the acupressure pillow, lay in bed with a book, and let the little plastic “needles” slowly release the knots in my neck. Surprisingly, the acupressure points work incredibly well. It can be a little intense, so if you’re sensitive to the intensity you could lay a t-shirt over the prongs.

The mat is great for your back or standing on it to release tension in your feet. Sometimes I’ll place the mat at the edge of my bed, that way I can step onto it in the mornings for an invigorating wake me up!

Estroblock has been a lifesaver for naturally balancing my hormones, keeping estrogen levels in check. It’s been a mainstay in my supplement routine to correct my hormonal acne. Whether you have excess estrogen or need to keep your estrogen metabolized, it is a GAME CHANGER for hormonal imbalances. I have a number of friends who have been prescribed it, but you don’t need a prescription for it. I highly suggest doing a little research and deciding if it’s right for you. I’m on bottle #5 and there’s no going back.

I’ve been using maca since the beginning of the year, and The Maca Team has been my go-to staple. The quality is fantastic, the price point is great, it’s finely ground, and the nutty caramel flavor blends well into smoothies and yogurt bowls. Maca has so many benefits! From balancing hormones, increasing energy and mental clarity, reducing anxiety and stress, balancing acne, and growing a maca booty. Yeah, maca booty is a thing.

]]>http://www.youglowgal.com/5-affordable-amazon-self-care-finds-you-need-to-buy-stat/feed/48216My 5 Year Battle with Painful Hormonal Acne Pt 2http://www.youglowgal.com/5-year-battle-with-painful-hormonal-acne-2/
http://www.youglowgal.com/5-year-battle-with-painful-hormonal-acne-2/#commentsMon, 16 Oct 2017 11:00:41 +0000http://www.youglowgal.com/?p=8154 As you can likely assume from foreshadowing, my hormonal acne came back with a vengeance. I was frustrated, emotionally feeling beaten down by my cysts. I have to say, I tried my best not to care. On my days off I would run around the city without makeup, after leaving work I would wipe…

Maybe at the end of 2016? I had a huge flare up the week of November 8th, 2016…. that was definitely stress-induced, ha!

I’m not one to make New Year resolutions, I wouldn’t even call what happened a resolution. I just happened to decide to make a lifestyle change when the year ended. I had been visiting my therapist for other personal matters, seeing progress and growth, and wanted to take self-care seriously. To be honest… it was necessary for survival. Emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, I had to make a lifestyle change. Cue seeing lots of crystals on my Instagram.

When January rolled around I decided to address my skin from the inside out, tweaking my diet for what I called a vanity project. I wanted to see what would happen to my skin. Not only would this mark the beginning of my obsession with health food, it would also mark my approach to skin health adjusting. As you may already be aware, I see it as a holistic thing: it should be addressed not only topically but our wellbeing should be taken into consideration as well. Think mental wellbeing, emotional well-being, internal wellbeing, physical wellbeing. Your skin is a direct reflection of your whole being, topical products will only go so far. They’re necessary but only a piece of the puzzle.

After implementing my new healthy choices the cycle began, again. Perfect skin for a few months, followed by recurring breakouts.

I found myself deep on the Internet, researching every idea I could think of. Digging through archives of niche esthetics Facebook groups, the natural approachers of skincare. Asking estheticians I’ve befriended over the years for advice. I read Clean Skin From Within and purchased Younger Skin Starts in the Gut ( still on my reading list, btw ). I introduced fish oil consistently, a healthy balance of omegas, zinc monomethionine, and Estroblock DIM. I became disciplined in checking labels for soy and dairy, keeping both out of my diet.

This needs to be said: I never prescribe supplements, it’s beyond my scope of practice. I may mention them but only so you can research yourself or ask your doctor about additions to your routine. Stating I use something is not me saying you need to add it to your routine.

Estroblock DIM is like eating 3 pounds of cruciferous vegetables, except you take a single pill instead of force-feeding yourself broccoli and you get exactly what you need from it: diindolylmethane aka DIM. Popular among naturopaths and other natural approach practitioners for its ability to metabolize estrogen. You go through a “detox” period for a week or two while your body flushes out excess estrogen, it’s easy to become dehydrated through the process. Estroblock was the reason I cut spironolactone out. While I could have continued on both, I felt far too dehydrated and spironolactone seemed to have stopped working for me. So, after some research, I cut it cold turkey. I didn’t have the patience to call my dermatologist office after the weekend.

With these changes, I was making major headway! The continuous tweaking, researching, questioning—it was paying off. My breakouts were changing. Hormonal cysts became less and less of an issue, instead smaller papules, pustules, and blackheads appeared. I don’t know about you, but I’d choose to manage those over cysts any day.

Next, I decided it was time for some blood work and hormone testing, make sure everything was functioning properly internally.

I really, really wanted to work with a doctor who treated ailments naturally. I had already gone the modern medicine route and didn’t want to continue down that path. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford it, not with launching a skincare line later this year. I wouldn’t normally DIY my health, but it was the realistic option.

I’m a HUGE foodie, like I really, really love food. I could care less if the BF checks out a girl walking by, I’m probably checking out her outfit anyway so we just look like a creepy couple hahaha! The moment he enjoys some new delicacy without me, say a new fried chicken joint, I lose it. Fatty doesn’t play.

I’ve always said I would be heartbroken if I acquired a food allergy or sensitivity.

Well, somewhere I read gluten can affect hormonal imbalances.

Vanity wins again.

As of the end of August, I’m now soy, dairy and gluten-free. Honestly, it hasn’t been bad. I actually like the way health food tastes, to the dismay of the BF. What I miss most is deep fried foods coated in gluten… I have dreams that one day I’ll be able to sneak in a cheat day here and there, I’ve been able to have dairy once or twice a week without issue. Fingers crossed I can one day enjoy biscuits and gravy for breakfast again.

Now I’m keeping a food journal, logging what I eat daily, aches and pains, and keeping an eye on skin changes to rule out other food sensitivities. I no longer wear foundation, only concealer under my eyes to allow my skin to breath.

My skin looks better than ever. I have breakouts, but they heal quickly with minimal scarring. I’m hopeful within a few months not only will my skin be completely clear but my body will feel even better than it already does. That’s another plus, my body feels amazing. It feels cared for, healthy.

Actually, I have a Clear & Brilliant laser treatment this week as a jump start on acne scarring. The breakouts were pretty bad this year, I think my scarring is noticeable, like battle wounds. I’m really looking forward to getting my old face back, feeling as good about myself externally as I do internally. Between personal growth, taking control of my health, and fully reversing my acne I feel like I’m going to be a whole new person by 2018.

The moral of the story? Staying positive is challenging. Having clear skin takes work. There are so many variables, our bodies vary from person to person, there is no one size fits all solution. There is light at the end of the tunnel, there is hope, you can reclaim your body. With discipline, homework, and working with professionals ( whether through printed work, digitally, or in person ) you can defeat your acne.

I’ll share again later on once I’ve been successful longer than a few months. Thanks for reading, being interested, for caring. This was definitely a vulnerable subject to share. xo